Archive for February, 2018

Life can be overwhelming at times. We have created societies, at least in developed countries, where we have become so busy that we often don’t have time to rest, relax, pray, spend time reading the Bible, or spend time communing with our Creator and His Son Yeshua (Jesus). We seem to rush around everywhere trying to get as much done as possible before the day ends. On top of that, circumstances arise that put us under a lot of stress. Financial woes, health issues, marital problems, problems with our children or our jobs, problems with neighbors or neighboring countries, wars, famines, natural disasters, and so on. The circumstances we face on a daily basis can make it feel like we are drowning in them and they can rob us of joy and peace.

If that is how you feel, there is hope. That hope is found in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) who our Creator, Almighty Yahweh, sent to be our Savior and our hope.

Paul, an apostle of Messiah Yeshua according to the commandment of Elohim (God) our Savior, and of Messiah Yeshua, our hope. 1 Timothy 1:1

It is through faith in Yahweh and Yeshua that we can overcome and live victorious lives. It is through faith that we are saved and will receive eternal life.

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of Elohim: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to Elohim must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

The believer who lives by faith will receive eternal life when Yeshua returns. However, until that happens we must make it through all the trials, tribulations and circumstances in life that can stress us out, burden us down and rob us of joy.

How we view our circumstances can have a positive or negative effect on us. If we view them as burdens that we can no longer bear or as difficulties that we do not deserve, they can be detrimental to us. However, if we view them as a means to our personal growth, they can be positive vehicles for becoming better people.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

The Apostle Peter found himself in difficult circumstances one night. The account is found in Matthew 14:22-33.

And straightway Yeshua constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

And in the fourth watch of the night Yeshua went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Yeshua spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be you, bid me come unto you on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Yeshua.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Yeshua stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth you are the Son of Elohim.

As long as Peter kept his eyes on Yeshua and walked by faith without allowing fear and doubt in Yeshua’s ability to save and protect him, he was able to walk on water. As soon as he took his eyes off of Yeshua and looked at the circumstances he found himself in, he started to sink. The same thing can easily happen to us unless we do as Hebrews 12:1-2 says.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Yeshua the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of Elohim.

Let’s not look at our current circumstances and start drowning in them. Let’s look to Yeshua and to the joy that is set before us (a resurrection from the dead unto eternal life in Yahweh’s Kingdom on earth; a Kingdom where there will be no tears, no pain, no death).